A Pastor in Kenya Impacts the Next Generation
By Byron Garmo, President & CEO
Daniel is a 1for50 global leader and MTC partner serving in East Africa
Today Daniel is an MTC field partner and friend serving as a 1for50 global leader throughout East Africa. Today he’s a fisher of men who makes disciples. He recalls how it all began with one person who cared enough to reach him with the gospel when he needed God the most.
“A few years ago, I sat with my pastor and reflected on my journey of faith. I gave my life to Christ as a young child—just 10 years old. My father was an absentee and a drunkard. I grew up yearning for someone to walk alongside me. That longing drew me to my pastor, who played the accordion and welcomed me into his life.
My mother wasn’t a believer, and my family was deeply rooted in ancestral worship and witchcraft. But despite that, I chose to follow my pastor. He mentored me, introduced me to the Word of God, and shared the gospel with me. He gave me space to grow—singing with me, placing me in the church choir, and encouraging me to boldly serve Christ.
Today I often imagine myself as that one teacher walking alongside a child, just as my pastor did for me when I was younger.
I recall during a past conference in Chiang Mai, a student shared how Mordecai walked alongside Esther, an orphan. She later became queen and saved the nation of Israel. Esther’s example ignited a passion in me to walk alongside children and change lives.
My pastor passed away in April from tongue cancer. In his final days, he couldn’t speak, but I shared with him the ministries I was involved in—the children I was reaching, the pastors who were hearing God’s heart for children through me. Though he couldn’t talk, he communicated his joy … I had become his voice.
I often wonder: What if there were 10 of us doing what I’m doing? What if there were 50?
This isn’t pride—it’s a response to the overwhelming needs of children around us. So many villages remain unreached, children are dying without ever hearing the gospel. They need someone to walk alongside them, to disciple, and empower them to become disciple-makers. That’s why Mission to Children’s [FEED] strategy and 1for50’s vision resonate so deeply with me. [As a child growing up in Kenya], some of us came to church because there was food. The church met our physical needs, and that opened our hearts to the gospel.
This is what God has called us to: To be fishers of men and makers of disciples. That’s what I strive to do by God’s help. My heart burns with passion for this mission. When I visit communities, I see the urgent need to reach children. It’s a mission far greater than gospel crusades or adult-focused outreach. Mission to Children is a Godsend to us 1for50 leaders.”
~ Daniel, 1for50 global leader, East Africa
